Availability of non- and low-fluoride paediatric toothpastes in Nigeria: a need for indigenous affordable formulations

Abstract

Objective: Some studies in Nigeria have shown a high prevalence of fluorosis. This study looks at toothpastes manufactured locally to determine the availability and affordability of low- fluoride paediatric toothpastes in Nigeria.
Method: Toothpastes manufactured locally in Nigeria which bear the Nigerian Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) approval number were purchased from open markets, reputable supermarkets and pharmacies. The cost price and fluoride content were recorded for each of the toothpastes.
Result: Twenty-one toothpastes manufactured locally in Nigeria were identified. Thirteen toothpastes had sodium fluoride as the active fluoride compound while five had sodium monofluorophosphate. Seventeen toothpastes had optimum fluoride content (1100 – 1450 ppm fluoride or 0.306 – 0.32% w/w sodium fluoride or 0.76 – 0.85% w/w  Sodium monofluorophosphate), one had low-fluoride content (500ppm or 0.1106% w/w sodium fluoride) while three were non-fluoride toothpastes. The low-fluoride toothpaste was designated as paediatric while the non-fluoride toothpastes were herbal formulations. A cost analysis of the toothpastes showed that the lone paediatric low-fluoride toothpaste was sold at more than three times the cost of the optimum-fluoride toothpastes.
Conclusion: The majority of toothpastes manufactured locally in Nigeria have optimum fluoride content, the non-fluoride toothpastes are herbal formulations while only one toothpaste is a low-fluoride paediatric toothpaste. The present cost of the paediatric toothpaste makes it unaffordable and unavailable to the average child in Nigeria. Companies which manufacture toothpastes locally are encouraged to produce more brands of paediatric low-fluoride toothpastes for the Nigerian market at affordable prices.